Jurisprudentia: The RMC Law Journal

DAVAO CITY – In a significant leap for legal education in Southern Philippines, officials and dignitaries gathered last December 17, 2025 (Wednesday) for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the future Justice Leopoldo M. Abellera Building at the Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc. (RMC).

The event, led by RMC Board Director Leo Tereso A. Magno, marked the start of construction for a dedicated facility poised to become a hub for aspiring lawyers and graduate students. The five-storey structure, which includes a lower ground floor, is projected for completion by 2029.

Designed to house 26 lecture rooms, the building will primarily serve the growing Graduate School and the RMC- School of Law, addressing the increasing demand for quality legal education in the region.

The ceremony underscored a strong collaborative spirit within the legal community. Distinguished guests included Legal Education Board (LEB) Commissioner Lorenzo Reyes, Executive Judge Rowena Adlawan of the Regional Trial Court, and the deans of prominent law schools: Dean Manuel Quibod of Ateneo de Davao College of Law and Dean Arlene M. Lorejo-Cosape of the University of Southeastern Philippines College of Law. Land Transportation Office Regional Director Ernesto Rubillo also joined the event.

A substantial delegation of law faculty members from Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc. attended, underscoring the academic community's commitment to the project's future.

Director Magno, addressing the attendees, emphasized the building's role in shaping future legal minds. This structure is more than concrete and steel; it is a foundation for justice, integrity, and excellence in the legal profession, proudly rising under the banner of Rizal Memorial Colleges.

The building is named in honor of the late Justice Leopoldo M. Abellera, a respected jurist, to pay tribute to his legacy of service to the law.

With construction now officially underway, the Justice Leopoldo M. Abellera Building stands as a tangible commitment by Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc. to advancing legal scholarship and producing competent legal professionals for Mindanao and beyond.

Writer: Lady Lou C. Pido
Layout Artist: Rizia Jahziel V. Perez

𝗥𝗠𝗖 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗨𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
𝙾𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟷𝟽, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻

𝙒𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧: 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙮𝙣 𝙂𝙚𝙚 𝙎. 𝙏𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙗𝙖
𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧: 𝙇𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙇𝙤𝙪 𝘾. 𝙋𝙞𝙙𝙤

The RMC School of Law modernizes its legal education with its two-day faculty training workshop, titled "Teaching for Outcomes: Law Faculty Workshop on OBE and Online Learning," held on October 16–17, 2025, at the BMVV Legal Arts Center.

The workshop aimed to deepen faculty understanding of Outcomes-Based Education (OBE), identify the key components of the Revised Model Law Curriculum, and draw implications from LEB Memorandum Order No. 38, Series of 2025, particularly in relation to policy and curriculum delivery.

Dean Ramon Edison C. Batacan kicked off the event with a call to action, highlighting the need to align instruction with measurable learning outcomes to shape competent future lawyers. The momentum continued with Associate Dean Dante O. Calamba's plenary on the OBE framework, followed by a walkthrough of LEB Memorandum Orders No. 245 (2021) and 38 (2025).

Prof. Antonio A. Solomon, Jr., LPT, MAED, MRIEDR, followed with a discussion on pedagogical approaches and teaching methodologies. In the afternoon, Associate Professor Roar A. Callaman, PhD, SE, PhD, R&E, presented assessment strategies and learning for flexible and online modalities. After which, Prof. Gel Marie Tiboron, LPT, MAEM, showcases digital and online tools and applications for dynamic teaching setups. The workshop concluded with certificate awards and closing remarks from Associate Dean Joanne Marie A. Coma, leaving participants energized and equipped to enhance their teaching practice.

This initiative reflects the RMC School of Law's unwavering commitment to continuous faculty development, as well as its drive to ensure that legal education remains responsive, outcomes-based, and aligned with current standards in the field.

Jurisprudentia RMC Law Journal conducts a 2-day internal training and workshop on Fundamental Principles of Legal Writing and Citation (August 25 and October 5, 2025).

Participants learned how to use proper citations, craft news articles, and draft legal opinions.

Speaker: Atty. Trisha Ann Samantha S. Aligato

Congratulations, RMC-SOL!

🖊: Rizia Jahziel V. Perez
📷: Bension Calipayan, Mary Ann Oropel, Cidrex S. Trabajada, and Ringcle Jade V. Magsipoc

RMC-School of Law Basketball Team Bags Semi-Finals Spot in PasikLAWban 2025

🖊: Rizia Jahziel V. Perez
📷: Earl Christian Apoya

Check out our latest feature on the 2025 Bar Salubong!

2025 BAR EXAMINATIONS DAY 1

98 Rizalians Rise: RMC-SOL Joins the Largest Bar Exam in History

Amid high stakes and nerves, bar takers from the Rizal Memorial Colleges School of Law brave the first day of the Bar exam last Sunday September 7, 2025.

Out of the 11,437 examinees who reported to nationwide testing centers, 1,099 hailed from Ateneo Senior High School in Bangkal, Davao City. Among them were 98 proud representatives from Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc. – School of Law, carrying the banner of RMC and embodying the values of being R–Rizalian, M–Mindful, C–Catalyst.

According to the 2025 Bar Chairperson, Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, this year’s Bar examinations have recorded the highest number of examinees in Philippine history, surpassing the 2020–2021 Bar cycle with 11,402 bar-takers turning out. This milestone reflects the growing ambition and resilience of aspiring lawyers nationwide.

The first day of the Bar Exam focused on Political and Public International Law, with 20 questions. The Bill of Rights and Due Process dominated the coverage with eight questions, followed by the Separation of Powers with seven. Topics on Election and Public Officers comprised three questions, while International Law and Citizenship were each represented by one question. This distribution underscored the exam’s emphasis on constitutional principles and governance.

Despite the mental and physical toll, the day was a testament to resilience. From faculty who continue to guide, to volunteers who serve tirelessly, and to every sponsor, student, alumnus, and friend cheering from near and far, Day 1 proved that Bar Operations is more than just logistics. It's about heart, endurance, and a spirit of solidarity that shines brightest when the challenge is greatest.

HAPPENING NOW: First-Year Law Students Sharpen Language Skills with Grammar Review

July 12, 2025

The RMC School of Law held a pivotal session of its First Year Academic Training Program, aiming to fortify the legal foundation of incoming students.

For the morning session, Atty. Concepcion “Ching” Bartolata led an engaging and detailed Review on English Grammar—an essential skill for mastering legal writing and analysis.

The Training continues until 4:00 P.M.

𝐉𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀 𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐄 𝟑 𝐈𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐎𝐔𝐓!⚖️

This latest edition of our student-run law journal is a testament to the intellectual rigor and dedication of the RMC School of Law. Crafted by law students for the broader legal community, Volume 3 features a diverse collection of timely, relevant, and thought-provoking articles.

This volume tackles issues that are familiar to many. Labor disputes, contracts, barangay proceedings, and drug-related cases. While these may seem a routine, the real challenge taken on by our contributors is to infuse legal discourse into topics often perceived as “nothing new.”

Support the voices of future legal professionals. Read, reflect, and be part of the discourse.

To read more, click here: https://rmc.edu.ph/jurisprudentia-volume-3/

𝐉𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀 𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐄 𝟑 𝐈𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐎𝐔𝐓!⚖️
This latest edition of our student-run law journal is a testament to the intellectual rigor and dedication of the RMC School of Law. Crafted by law students for the broader legal community, Volume 3 features a diverse collection of timely, relevant, and thought-provoking articles.

This volume tackles issues that are familiar to many. Labor disputes, contracts, barangay proceedings, and drug-related cases. While these may seem a routine, the real challenge taken on by our contributors is to infuse legal discourse into topics often perceived as “nothing new.”

Support the voices of future legal professionals. Read, reflect, and be part of the discourse.
To read more, click here: https://rmc.edu.ph/jurisprudentia-volume-3/

HAPPENING NOW: PALS Board Members convene for a Hybrid Quarterly Board Meeting.

June 28, 2025-- The Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS) commenced its quarterly board meeting today, running until Monday, June 30, 2025.

Esteemed Law School Deans from across the country gather at the BMVV Law Firm Legal Arts Center to deliberate on pivotal initiatives shaping the nation’s legal landscape such as upcoming PALS Bar Lecture Series, the forthcoming launch of the Unified Legal Aid Services (ULAS) Portal and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and the upcoming 2026 PALS National Convention which will be held in the National Capital Region.

During the meeting, the PALS President, Dean Teodoro A. Pastrana delivered his President's Report and Dean Genevieve Marie Dolores Brandares of Cor Jesu College Law School delivered the PALS Financial Report as well.

Among the notable participants are Dean Jose Maria Hofilena of Ateneo de Manila University, Dean Jose Perpetou Lotilla of Manuel L. Quezon University, Dean Jose Grapilon of Philippine Law School, Dean Roy Oliver Alejandrino of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Dean Remelisa Moraleda of University of Northeastern Philippines, Dean Marivic Daray of Holy Name University, Dean Paisal D. Tanjili of Notre Dame of Marbel University, Dean Rodney Ato of Father Saturnino Urios University and Dean Ramon Edison Batacan of Rizal Memorial College.

Participants online include Dean Domnina T. Rances of Ateneo de Naga University School of Law, Dean Sergio M. Ceniza of Manila Law College, Dean Maria Milagros Fernan- Cayosa of University of Cagayan Valley College of Law, Dean Zaldy B. Docena of Emilio Aguinaldo Cellege Cavite Institute of the Law and Justice, Dean John Ray M. Libiran of University of Baguio School of Law, and Dean Jonathan P. Capanas of University of San Jose–Recoletos School of Law.

Written by: Rizia Jahziel V. Perez

This is a developing story.

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